Saturday 8th June 2024(Moorings Between 12 noon Wednesday 5th June – 12 noon Wednesday 12th June)
This will be the 34th Waterfest in Reading. The Reading branch of the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust invite you to head down to the eastern end of the Navigation to join us at the Reading Water Fest in June.
The boat display on the Forbury Loop forms an important and impressive part of a festival. The event is staged along the waterside and include the Abbey Ruins running past Reading Gaol and all the way to the Turbine House alongside the weir at Blakes Lock. The event will run alongside the Street food Festival in the Forbury. There will be lots of activity and music stage in the Abbey.
This year’s theme will be 'the Environment' and we are supporting the IWA’s Protect our Waterways campaign. The waterways of today would not exist without the Inland Waterways Association and the work of dedicated restoration trusts and societies over many years. This has ensured that canals and rivers were saved and enhanced. The scale of the threat to our waterways from inadequate funding demands that we once again
combine our resources with those organisations of all types from within and beyond the waterways sector. IWA have joined with over 100 partner organisations of which the Kennet & Avon Canal is one. The waterside will be available for boats to moor from 5th June to the 12th June. Any RBC mooring charges will be suspended for boats taking part in Water Fest.
We have arranged for boaters to be able to attend the music event in the abbey Ruins on the Friday Evening. The festival comes alive with stalls of all kinds, live music, and other free entertainment from 11.00. There will be a prize for the best decorated boat and best dressed boater and the opportunity to take part in a boat procession around the loop. This is your chance to show off your boat to the public. All boats will receive our special 2024 Water Fest plaque. Boaters will also have access to the Friday Silent Disco in the Abbey.
Cost to attend £15
It will be a great day for all. Please bring your boat to the heart of it!
We look forward to seeing you,
Graham Puddephatt
Reading Branch - The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust
